A high incidence of people with
mental illness smoke cigarettes. There is evidence that smoking is a form of
self-medication, since it appears to reduce anxiety, sedation, and improves
concentration in some people. The nicotine in a cigarette can have a calming
effect, can increase alertness and improve memory.

However, four thousand chemical compounds have been found in cigarette smoke
including fertilizers, pesticides such as DDT, insecticides such as malathion,
40 carcinogenic chemicals, 1000 flavoring agents, and 600 additives.

Plus, studies have shown that smoking increases psychotic symptoms because
antipsychotic drugs are flushed out of the body quicker due to the effects
smoking has on kidneys.

An extremely high percentage of mentally ill people smoke.

MENTAL ILLNESS:

PERCENTAGE WHO ARE SMOKERS

Bipolar Disorder

70%

Major Depression

60%

Schizophrenia

90%

Panic Disorder

56%

Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder

60%

NICOTINE

Nicotine can act either as a
stimulant or a depressant depending on dose and history of use. Today,
scientists are researching nicotine receptors in the central nervous system. The
reason why many depressed people feel better after smoking a cigarette is that
they are correcting a chemical imbalance altered temporarily by nicotine.

The downside of nicotine is that it is extremely addictive, and appears to act
chemically like hard drug addictions. New synthetic drugs are being tested which
seem to sidestep the negative effects of nicotine. One drug in early human
trials is showing promise as a very effective pain medication.

A handful of other drugs designed to target nicotine receptors are being tested
in patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that
the administration of nicotine can improve memory and attention in these
patients.

SUCCESS STORY“GERALD”

Gerald started smoking at a very young age. He suffered from depression and
smoking helped him feel calm. After a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in his late
teens he started to smoke more.

As the years passed, and knowing all the dangers of smoking, he tried to quit
smoking many times. At age 32 he had trouble breathing. He quit again, this time
he using nicotine replacement therapy. He chose nicotine lozenges. He followed
the 12 week program as it was stated in the instruction manual. After 12 weeks
of success, he only used a lozenge here and there for slight cravings.

As the weeks turned into months, Gerald's cravings for a cigarette diminished.
He began eating very healthy, cutting sugar out of his diet and counting
calories until his body adjusted to his new lifestyle. Today Gerald can breathe
without a problem, has no smoker's cough, no longer smells like smoke, has more
time to do what he enjoys, and has saved a considerable amount of money.

WHEN SMOKERS QUITThe Health Benefits of Smoking Cessation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1 Year After Quitting:
Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 Years After Quitting:
Stroke risk in reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker

10 Years After Quitting:
Lung cancer death rate about half of a continuing smoker's
Precancerous cells are replaced
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas
decrease

15 Years After Quitting:
Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker